You’re planning a short getaway to Malta and want to be sure you tick every box before you apply. This guide explains who needs a Schengen C Tourist Visa for Malta, what you must prepare, how to apply, and little-known rules that most blogs overlook. Every claim is backed by a reliable source—no guesswork.
Who Needs a Malta Schengen C Visa?
If your nationality isn’t on Malta’s visa-exempt list, you must apply for a Schengen C Visa. Nationals of over 60 countries require a visa to enter Malta even for tourism or business, as detailed on the Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs of Malta’s Visa Information page{:target=”_blank”}.
Travel Privileges Across 27 Countries
A Malta-issued Schengen C Visa isn’t limited to Malta. It grants you up to 90 days of travel in any 180-day period across all 27 Schengen Member States—France, Germany, Italy and more—under the European Commission’s official Schengen Area travel rules{:target=”_blank”}. Your days in Spain, the Netherlands or any other Schengen country count toward the same 90-day total.
Required Documents
You’ll need to assemble these essentials:
- Visa application form, fully completed and signed
- Valid passport (at least three months beyond your planned departure; one blank page minimum), per the U.S. Department of State’s passport validity guidelines{:target=”_blank”}
- Two identical photos matching ICAO standards
- Travel medical insurance covering ≥ €30 000 and repatriation guarantee, as recommended by the Insurance Europe guide on travel health coverage{:target=”_blank”}
- Flight itinerary (round-trip reservation)
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking, invitation letter)
- Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements, sponsorship letter)
- Cover letter stating purpose and itinerary
- Proof of civil status (marriage certificate, birth certificate)
- Copies of previous visas (if applicable)
Special Documents for Dependents
If you travel with children or dependents, include:
- Birth or adoption certificates
- Parental consent letters (if one parent is absent), as outlined on Schengen Visa Info’s guide for minors{:target=”_blank”}
- Proof of guardianship or custody arrangements
Biometric Data and Step-by-Step Application
You must provide fingerprints and have your photo taken in person. These biometrics are stored in the Visa Information System for up to 59 months, as explained by BBC’s overview of Schengen biometric requirements{:target=”_blank”}. Follow this process:
- Confirm you need a visa
- Complete and sign the application form
- Gather all required documents
- Book an appointment at a Maltese Embassy, Consulate or VFS Global centre
- Attend the appointment for biometric data, submit documents and pay the fee
- Await the decision (usually 15 calendar days)
Visa Fees and Processing Times
- Standard fee: €80 for adults; €40 for children aged 6–12
- Processing: approximately 15 days; may extend to 30–60 days in exceptional cases
Fees vary slightly by country of application. Check your local mission’s website for the exact amount and accepted payment methods.
Staying Within the Rules
Overstaying your 90-day allowance can trigger fines or a ban from the entire Schengen Area. At border control, officers will check:
- Your remaining days under the 90/180-day rule explained by VisaGuide.World{:target=”_blank”}
- Passport validity and blank pages
- That no new security or health alerts apply to you
If you have a criminal record, are listed in the Schengen Information System, or are deemed a public health risk (e.g., carrying certain contagious diseases), you can be refused entry—even if your visa is valid.
Lost or Stolen Travel Documents
If your passport or visa is lost or stolen while in Malta or elsewhere in Schengen, you must:
- File a police report immediately
- Contact your embassy or consulate
- Obtain an emergency travel document or temporary passport
- Provide the police report and copy of the lost document to re-enter or regularize your stay, following IATA’s guidance on emergency travel documents{:target=”_blank”}
Beyond the Short Stay
- ETIAS: From 2024, visa-exempt nationals need an ETIAS travel authorization—not a visa—to visit Malta and other Schengen zones, per the official ETIAS travel authorization website{:target=”_blank”}.
- Long stays: If you plan to remain over 90 days, apply for a National (D) Visa or a residence permit instead of a Schengen C Visa. For detailed steps, see the Swedish Migration Agency’s guide on national visas{:target=”_blank”}.
Ready to Set Sail?
You now have the blueprint to a successful Malta Schengen C Tourist Visa application: clear steps, complete documentation and critical warnings that few guides mention. Follow each instruction diligently, and you’ll be free to roam across stunning Mediterranean islands, historic European cities and beyond—without surprises at the border.
Safe travels and enjoy your Maltese adventure!